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THE CASTLE 



AZRUBAAL AND 
LAMORNA 


BY 


JOHN W. KITCHING 

u 



BOSTON 

RICHARD G. BADGER 

THE GORHAM PRESS 


Copyright, 1922, by John W. Kitching 


All Rights Reserved 




Made in the United States of America 


Press of J. J. Little & Ives Company, New York, U. S. A. 

OCT 14 1922 


© Cl A686282 

*V\9 f 


CONTENTS 

CHAPTER PAGE 

I The Castle of the Sun .... 7 

II The Maid of Dinsul 9 

HI The Longships 12 

IV The Feast 15 

V The Mart 21 

VI The Wooing 27 

VII The Lonesome Cove 34 

VIII The Council of the Druids ... 39 

IX The Death of Bargu, the Priest . 42 

X The Camp in the Forest .... 48 

XI The Flight 51 

XII The Conflict 54 

XIII The Druid’s Revenge 57 


XIV The Storm 61 


LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 


The Castle Frontispiece 

FACING PAGE 

A Room in the Castle 16 

Lamorna Cove 34 

The Mount 48 


AZRUBAAL AND LAMORNA 


I 

THE CASTLE OF THE SUN 

High built upon the topmost crag 
Of Dinsul’s sea-girt rock, 

Whose granite bulk had oft withstood 
The tempest’s wildest shock, 

The ancient Castle of the Sun 
Aglow with dawn’s first light, 
Soared high above the forest trees 
That crowned each mainland height. 
Majestic, bold, great billows rolled 
Far from the rim of day, 

To break with furied impotence 
In clouds of scattered spray, 

Against the mighty boulders strewn 
Around the massive base, 

Two hundred feet or more beneath 
The stronghold’s frowning face. 
Along the grey horizon lay 
A cloud bank argent-crowned 

7 


Azrubaal and Lamorna 


And broken by a shining rift 

Through which, with sudden bound, 
Five rays of light rose mystic, white, 
Till lost in tender blue 
While fairer still and still more fair 
The eastern dawning grew. 

Then died the opalescent dawn 
Like some pure maiden pale 
Too rudely snatched by warrior arms, 
Encased in burnished mail, 

From her soft, silken, sleeping place 
Ere from her eyes were blown 
The vestiges of rosy sleep 

Or her sw 7 eet dreams were flown. 

Soul ravishing, the blazing orb 
Of day burst on the sight 
Suffusing earth, and sea, and sky, 

With new created light. 

Then for one stirring moment space 
The world was lost to view 
O’erwhelmed in floods of golden light 
And day w 7 as born anew. 


8 


II 


THE MAID OF DINSUL 

Beside the parapet that morn 
A lovely maiden stood, 

The only daughter of Mordu, 

A chief of noble blood. 

Translucent as the marsh-fly’s wing 
The robe of web she wore 
That half revealed as fair a form 
As ever goddess bore. 

Her eyes were purest amethyst, 

Deep shadowed pools of pride. 

Her auburn hair was flecked with gold 
And in a fillet tied. 

The radiant sunlight o’er her form 
And round her stately head 
With all its wealth of wondrous hair, 
A glowing halo shed. 

Pulsating with exultant life, 

She thrilled with pure delight 
To feel the kisses of the sun 
Upon her shoulders white. 

Then reaching forth her shapely arms, 
Round one a gold snake wound, 

9 


Azrubaal and Lamorna 


She worshipped the uprisen sun 
Low bowing to the ground. 

A lark that moment throbbed its note 
Of greeting to the morn 
And lo, its song to silence died 
As sudden as ’twas born. 

As though a cloud had passed the sun 
The maiden turned ice chill 
To see before her sandaled feet 
A bloodstained wing lay still. 

And then she saw that from the brake 
A hawk had risen high 
And in its talons dread had caught 
This singer of the sky. 

With dull forebodement she recalled 
What ancient wizards taught 
That happenings so ominous 
Of good portended naught. 

Then laughed she at her childlike fears 
And cast forth to the sun 
Her floral wreath of sacrifice 
And turning she did run 
Across the sunlit, stone-flagged court 
Towards the inner hold 
When through the open gateway strode 
A man of giant mold. 

io 


Azrubaal and Lamorna 


Burnt by the sun, his face was dun, 
His eyes were hold and blue, 

His bushy beard and curling hair 
Were of a tawny hue. 

Apparelled for the chase he stood 
With javelin in hand 
His long bow lay across his back 
And horn slung by a band. 

Aside he laid his mighty spear 
And gently caught the maid 
The kiss upon her cheek he pressed 
In fond farewell was made. 

Then loudly calling to his dogs, 

And to his hunting men, 

This mighty powered chief went forth 
And passed beyond her ken. 

Nor did the maiden turn away: 

While on her ear was borne 
Upon the still air from the wood 
The echo of the horn. 


ii 




Ill 


THE LONGSHIPS 

Awhile she watched the swallows dip 
And skim the sunlit bay, 

Then with the joyousness of youth 
She sang an old time lay, 

In which was caught the wild bird’s note, 
The murmur of the trees, 

The tender music of the sea, 

The sighing of the breeze. 

She looked away across the bay, 

Lo, through the shimmering haze, 
Strange, moving shapes, illusive, vague, 
Impelled her wondering gaze. 

The mounting sun with magic touch 
Transformed the gold to blue 
And then the shapes that held her gaze 
Came boldly into view. 

Across the gently heavy bay 
Like fairy barques there passed 
With rhythmic sweep of flashing oars 
And gold splashed sail and mast, 

A line of long Phoenician ships 
High beaked and stout of build, 


12 


Azrubaal and Lamorna 


Whose square cut, broidered, linen sails 
The landward breezes filled. 

As down upon the Mount they bore 
Each linen sail was furled. 

The slave-manned oars broad bladed stayed 
Round which the water swirled. 

Then with the tide, two ships did glide 
Towards the rude built mole. 

The triremes vast their anchors cast 
Some distance from the shoal. 

Then to her ear rose loud and clear 
The creak of straining cords, 

Strange shouts and songs of sailor men, 

The crash of landing boards. 

Then forth she saw the people stream 
To watch the ships come in 
And crowd around these foreign men 
Who came to trade for tin. 

She heard behind her as she gazed 
Soft footsteps on the pave 
And turning faced a dark skinned man 
Accompanied by a slave. 

“Fair Lady,” said he bowing low 
In manner of his land, 

“My name is Hannibal of Tyre, 

Thy servant to command. 

13 


Azrubaal and La?norna 


We humbly crave thy gracious leave 

To land upon this shore; 

For purposes of peaceful trade 
As came our folk of yore.” 

Then answering the maiden said, 

In tones of kind intent 
“Right welcome to our shores are those 
On peaceful errands bent. 

And one and all I bid you come 
This night at sunset hour, 

A welcome feast will be prepared 
Within the banquet tower.” 


14 


IV 


THE FEAST 

When evening fell and twilight failed, 

The castle hall was filled, 

And loudly through the spacious place 
The noise of laughter thrilled. 

For every harokel and man 
Rejoiced to rest on shore; 

For fierce had raged the winds and waves 
Since out from Tyre they bore. 

Adown the hall were boards arranged 
And spread with native fare: 

Great head of long-tusked, forest boar 
And haunch of deer and bear, 

White fish caught from the teeming bay, 
And monstrous crayfish cold, 

Sweet woodland game and marshland fowl, 
And young lambs from the fold. 

By massive chains of copper wrought 
Suspended from the beams, 

Hung beaten lamps of blazing fire 
That cast resplendent gleams. 

And shed a light intense and bright 
On this barbaric scene 
Where in carouse with fair haired Celt, 

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Azrubaal and Lamorna 


Was dark Phoenician seen. 

Upon a raised and crimson dais 
Beneath an awning wide 
The queenly daughter of Mordu 
Sat by her father’s side. 

Her elbow resting on the ledge 
Of her black oaken chair 
Had caused her sleeve to fall and leave 
One snowy arm half bare. 

And thus she watched, with chin on hand, 
These men who braved the track 
Between the distant Rock of Tyre 
And this far Bratanac. 

Among the foreign guests who sat 
Within the banquet hall 
Was one in simple garb, a youth 
Of handsome mien and tall. 

As though absorbed in weighty thought 
He sat within his place 
While ever and anon his gaze 
Roved o’er the lady’s face. 

Then long he gazed and watched amazed 
How throat, brow, lips, and eyes, 
Engaged in tender rivalry 
Contesting beauty’s prize 
Yet altogether sweet conspired 

16 





Azrubaal and Lamorna 


Each feature, curve, and line, 

To form one perfect maidenhood, 
Love’s chalice, pure, divine. 

One moment was her lightsome glance 
Stayed by his steadfast look 
And deeming him some baseborn churl 
Who dared her anger brook, 

Her sweet demeanor sudden changed 
And coldly proud she grew 
And from his glance her wondrous eyes 
In calm disdain withdrew. 

Nor while there seated did she deign 
Accord him thought or glance 
But when she rose to quit the hall 
By whim of wanton chance, 

The girdle that embraced her waist 
Came suddenly unbound 
And by this stranger’s feet it lay 
Upon the rush strewn ground. 

She saw him stoop to raise the gaud 
Then towards the doorway sped 
And quick as lightning flash withdrew 
Between the curtains red. 

Then to a wench who stood nearby 
He gave the jeweled thing 
And later took with merry look 

17 


Azrubaal and Lamorna 


The guerdon she did bring. 

The feasting o’er when silence reigned 
Mordu rose to his feet 
And in the foreigner’s own tongue 
Accorded welcome sweet. 

“O Strangers from a distant clime, 

Fair greeting we extend: 

And that ye come for peaceful trade 
To doubt we ne’er intend. 

Your pleasure stay within the bay, 

Make free of this our Isle, 

Assured that he shall die who dares 
Disturb your peace the while. 

Your leader whoso’er he be 
Him do I now entreat 
To grant me favor of his hand 
And by me take his seat, 

For I would fain require of him 
Explicitly to say 

Why ye should bring so vast a fleet 
As rides upon the bay.” 

“Prince Azrubaal! Prince Azrubaal!” 

The traders loudly cried, 

And midst their cheers this handsome youth 
Stood by the chieftain’s side. 

18 


Azrubaal and Lamorna 


“O Chief,” said he, “thy gracious words 
Proud make me feel to stand 
Beside thee and true friendship seal 
By clasp of hand in hand. 

My kinsman, Hiram, King of Tyre 
Hath placed ’neath my command 
This expedition to procure 
The metals of thy land 
With which to aid Great Solomon, 

In Friendship’s holy name, 

Erect a temple to his God : 

In this thy help we claim. 

And peace and concord shall abide 
Betwixt thy folk and mine 
So shall they meet as friends to greet 
Till cease yon stars to shine.” 

Once more the traders loudly cheered 
And all the Celts joined in 
Until the rafters of the roof 
Were shaken by the din. 

Then metheglin in earthen jars 
And wines brought o’er the waves 
Were carried round among the guests 
By bands of female slaves. 

And through the night to harp and crowd 

19 


Azrubaal and Lamorna 


Wild rose the bardic song, 

And dancing maidens, flower-crowned 
Kept measure to the gong. 

But Azrubaal till dawning sat 
Unheeding in his place 
And dreamed of that fair lady’s form 
And sweet bewitching face. 


20 


V 


THE MART 

At sunrise when the morrow came, 
The merchant men displayed 
Upon the sward a glittering hoard, 
For barter and for trade. 

Across the causeway to the Mount 
The mainland people came 
And bands of children, aged men, 
And beggars halt and lame. 
From out the forest’s leafy shade 
Came strings of horses led 
Upon whose sturdy backs were borne 
Great loads of tin and lead. 

Across the yellow rippled sands 
And past a granite pile 
Towards the lading place of ships, 
The horses slow did file. 

The splendor of the wooded hills, 
The ships upon the bay, 

The busy Mount, the foreign men, 
Made up a pageant gay. 

At length the bartering began 
And each some bargain sought 

21 


Azrubaal and hamorna 


Jr 

While happy Celtic lovers came 

For charms and rings gem wrought; 

But when the nobler folk drew nigh 
Attended by their slaves 
Who beat away the common folk 
With their long, oaken staves, 

Rare silks spun in Egyptian looms 
And purple cloths were sold, 

And statuettes of gold and bronze 
And glass of cunning mold. 

And oft a fighting man would come 
Who seeing sword and shield 
Of fine Assyrian workmanship 
Would try his skill to wield. 

And so throughout that morn and noon 
The people came to buy 
Then hastened homeward from the Mount 
Before the tide rose high. 

The market done, the noonday sun 
Beyond its zenith past 
And on the ground tree, rock, and mound, 
Deep purple shadows cast. 

The lady of the Dinsul Mount, 

In company with her sire, 

Met walking on the grassy slopes 
This handsome Prince of Tyre. 

22 


Azrubaal and Lamorna 


Wide grew her eyes with vague surprise 
And pale as death she went 
To see with what marked diffidence 
Mordu before him bent. 

To her it seemed as though she dreamed 
When turned Mordu and said, 

“Prince Azrubaal, Lamorna mine.” 

And low she bowed her head 
To hide her cheeks now flushed with shame 
Nor at him dare she glance 
As almost to the ground he bowed 
With eastern elegance. 

With smooth and courtly grace of speech 
Then craved he them to deign 
To honor his great galley ship 
Before the light should wane. 

With brazen shields around her sides 
Laved in the sun’s red glow, 

And proud display of pennants gay, 

She made a goodly show, 

As on the bay, swan-like she lay 
Slow turning with the tide, 

While o’er her flew a white sea mew 
With rapid turn and glide. 

A cedar boat light built lay drawn 
Beyond the water’s reach, 

23 


Azrubaal and Lamorna 


Watched by a huge and ebon slave 
Sun basking on the beach. 

Who quickly rose at their approach 
In company with his lord 
And moved the boat into the tide 
And helped them step aboard. 

Ere long upon the galley’s deck 
Of spotless white fir wood, 

The chieftain and his daughter fair 
By Azrubaal stood. 

The cedar mast bent by a spar 
That swept athwart the skies 
On which was furled a scarlet sail 
Seemed wondrous to their eyes. 

More passing strange to them appeared 
The carved Kabiri gods 
Around the bows in order ranged 
Between two brazen rods. 

Led by the Prince at length they passed 
Within a cabin large 
That rose above the mighty stern 
Of this imposing barge. 

The walls with scented citron lined 
Were hung with tapis blue, 

And portholes wide on either side 
Allowed the sunlight through. 

24 


Azrubaal and Lamorna 


The floor with cunning work inlaid 
Of ivory, pearl, and wood, 

With rugs and leopard skins was spread 
While in one corner stood 
An upright, silver obelisk 

On which lay three small prongs 
That held a golden incense dish 
Before a bull of bronze. 

And while on cushions they reclined 
Beside a table spread 
With luscious fruits, and lily loaves, 
And wines in vessels red, 

There came soft floating through the door 
The sound of lute and gong 
Then suddenly a sailor man 
Upraised his voice in song. 

• • • • • 

“In distant Tyre my lady dwells 
She’s lovelier than the turtle dove 
Whose silver note in rapture swells 
Through that sweet paradise of love. 

“My lady has soft almond eyes 

And lips more scarlet than the rose 
’Neath her fair bosom fountains rise 
Whence passion like a river flows. 

25 


Azrubaal and Lamorna 


“And there in lordly Tyre to-day 
She waits my coming from the west 
Oh, how I long once more to lay 
My head upon her perfumed breast.” 

• • • • • 

The maiden listened to the song 
And wondered on her part 
What echo roused the singer’s words 
Within this Prince’s heart. 

And ere the Prince would have them leave 
Rich gifts he pressed on them. 

A gold sheathed sword he gave Mordu, 
Leaf shaped with hilt of gem. 

And on Lamorna he bestowed 
A graven, ruby heart, 

Chaldaic from whose mystic depths, 

Red passion seemed to dart. 


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26 


VI 


THE WOOING 

In life ’tis seen when souls attuned 
Together have been brought 
How oft has some small word or act 
With destiny been fraught. 

And from one spark of sympathy 
Soft fanned by passion’s breath 
The fires of love have caught and burned 
Unquenchable through death. 

Oft fair occasion brought the Prince 
To meet the Chief Mordu 
And ’twixt the Celt and Tyrian Prince 
A friendship quickly grew. 

One day he climbed the steepling rise 
On which the castle lay 
To find Lamorna sorrowful, 

Far gazing o’er the bay. 

So pale her cheek and sad her eye, 

So full of grief her tone, 

When o’er her hand he bowed she said, 
“My Lord finds me alone 
My Sire with many fighting men 
This day hath journeyed far 
In answer to a summons dire 

27 


Azrubaal and Lamorna 


Sent out from old Pydar. 

And he hath marched to aid the King 
Withstand a mighty host 
Of Durotriges now many leagues 
Advanced along the coast. 

I know not when he may return 
But thou wilt come I pray 
As hitherto but leave me now 
For sad I feel this day.” 

So came it that she grew to wait 
His coming each new day 
Whose presence banished like a charm 
Her loneliness away. 

His storied lore, a mystic door 
Set wide for her escape 
From solitude into a world 
Of fair, romantic shape. 

Imagination glowed and burned 
As he described the might 
Of Egypt, Tyre, and Babylon — 

Then at their splendors’ height. 
Until on wings of fancy borne 
Afar she seemed to speed 
To linger midst enthralling scenes 
And folk of nobler breed. 

And oft to her he spoke of one 

28 


Azrubaal and Larnorna 


All other gods above 
The Son of Sydyk, Righteousness, 

Named Eshmun, God of Love. 

And she would sit and watch the light 
That glowed upon his face 
As he described with ecstasy 
The patron of his race. 

Till she did love this God above 
The sun, the stone, the wood, 

Who hated human sacrifice 
And taught mankind all good. 

One night they lingered side by side 
Within the silent court 
Above them loomed the massive walls 
Of bastion and fort. 

The moon, full orbed, majestic rose 
Above the circling heights 
And shed a bright, ethereal glow 
That dimmed the diamond lights. 
Below them breaking silver fire, 

The purple waters flowed 
Where outlined black against the glow 
The anchored galleys rode. 

The town lay sleeping on the marge 
That bound the crystal sea : 

The moonlit roofs of beehive huts, 

29 


Azrubaal and Lamorna 


Like pearls in filagree, 

Shone dimly through the silver mist, 

’Twas where the miners dwelt 
Who delved the earth and worked the stream 
For metal ore to smelt. 

The subtle magic of the scene 
O’er which the moonlight threw 
A mystic glamor and a spell 
Upon their senses grew 
Till raised they seemed o’er time and space 
In that portentous hour 
And knit with all things in one whole 
By some transcendent power. 

To Azrubaal it seemed that Fate 
Unseen to earth had strayed 
Along the moon’s broad shining track 
Upon the waters laid. 

And fain would he have gleaned the thoughts 
Within the maiden’s mind 
Around what form, or scene, or hour, 

Her tender memory twined. 

He spoke at length and softly said, 

“My people always say, 

On such a night, Astarte bright 
While flying on her way 
From her celestial paradise 

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Azrubaal and Lamorna 


And having journeyed far 
Caught as she flew above the earth 
A wondrous falling star. 

And lighting on a lovely isle 
She hid this ball of fire 
Thus consecrating to herself 
Our own sweet Isle of Tyre. 

That rises like a jeweled cone 
Above the ocean swell 
Adorned with gorgeous mansions fair 
Where princely merchants dwell. 

While over all her templed fane 
Uprises pile on pile 
Where sweetly call the turtle doves 
And sacred maidens smile.’’ 

Lamorna listened with delight 
As unto her he told 
In accents pleasing to her ear 
The simple legend old, 

Then silent Azrubaal grew; 

For in his bosom burned 
A mighty passion for this maid 
And in his heart he yearned 
To take her there within his arms 
And claim her as his own 
Whose splendid charms he knew full well 

3i 


Azrubaal and Lamorna 


Would grace an empire’s throne. 

The stillness and the spell were snapped, 
Some night bird flying late 
Sent ringing forth across the Mount 
A summons to its mate. 

By impulse prompted, his hot clasp 
Closed o’er the maid’s cool hand 
That rested on the parapet 
As near him she did stand. 

Lamorna turned, with eyes that burned 
And gazed upon his face 
In every line, no other sign 
Save honor could she trace. 

He uttered her sweet sounding name 
In his quaint foreign way 
And o’er her unclaimed heart she felt 
He held some wondrous sway. 

Her shapely form so soft and warm 
He gathered to his breast 
And in a rapture of fierce joy 
His lips to hers he pressed. 

To- find herself within his arms 
Made her whole being thrill 
And vibrate with a tumult strange 
Beyond her power to still. 

So fondly yielding up her heart 

32 


Azrubaal and Lamorna 


To this Phoenician Lord 
Sweet heeding gave she to the words 
Of love that he outpoured. 

“How my soul longs for thee,” he cried 
“Who art a garden fair 
In which the gods themselves have set 
Sweet herbs and blossoms rare. 
Lamorna, Star of all my hopes 
I love thee more than life, 

Come promise me that thou wilt be 
My princess and my wife.” 

All tremulous she clung to him 
Her eyes with love glowed bright 
And then her lovely rounded arms 
So tender and milk white 
Stole timidly around his neck ; 

Her red lips touched his face. 

Then suddenly she broke away 
And fled from his embrace. 

Then in a deep embrasure stayed 
And watched him slow depart 
Bright eyed she gazed with lips apart 
Her hand pressed to her heart. 

And when he passed beyond her sight 
She sought her couch above 
And on her lips till break of day 
She felt his kiss of love. 

33 


VII 


THE LONESOME COVE 

Across the bay, sequestered lay, 

A cove where crags rose high 
On either side, sheer from the tide 
Aspiring to the sky. 

And all around were trackless woods 
Within whose violet shade 
Grew asphodel and frondent fern 
While through a heathy glade, 

A crystal streamlet wound along 
A shallow, rock-strewn bed 
With music rare it filled the air 
As to the sea it sped. 

And where the deer and oxen wild 
Came morn and eve to drink 
Lay trampled down the tamarisks 
That lined the water’s brink. 

To this fair spot where nature held 
Her wild, untrammeled sway 
Lamorna and Prince Azrubaal 
Oft fared across the bay. 

With spear and sword the Prince explored 
The thicket’s tangled maze 

34 




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Azrubaal and Lamorna 


And braved the lair of wolf and bear 
The antlered deer to raise. 

Alone within the lonesome cove 
Lured by the tranquil sea 
Lamorna would disrobe and swim 
With lithesome stroke and free. 

And when to rest she sought the crest 
Of some great boulder’s dome, 

Too fair a thing for earth she seemed 
A nymph born of the foam; 

For round her form like sheeted flame 
Her brine kissed tresses played 
And on her glist’ning, ivory limbs 
The sun’s gold light was stayed. 

But when the distant sound of horn 
Fell faintly on her ear 
She robed and waited eager-eyed 
The hunter to appear. 

Within his arms one day entwined 
And lulled by hum of bees 
At work among the furze and ling 
While gently soughed the trees. 

And far away the ocean lay 
A molten topaz floor 
While at their feet the wavelets sweet 
Soft lapped the pebbled shore, 

35 


Azrubaal and Lamorna 


She mused awhile then with a smile 
As radiantly bright 
As sunshine on a damask rose 
Unfolding to the light, 

Sweet-toned she queried, “Azrubaal, 
Wilt thou not speak to me 
About the maidens of thy land 
Are they not fair to see?” 

And thus he spoke, “Our womenfolk 
Are faultless formed and frail 
With lustrous eyes and raven locks 
And skins like amber pale. 

In pillared halls with cedared walls 
Where perfumed fountains play 
And colored slave girls slowly wave 
Great fans of feathers gay 
In silken robes diaphanous 
Soft cushioned they recline 
And eat the date and pomegranate 
And sip sweet, Byblos wine. 

When sets the sun at eventide 
And blows the incense breeze 
From snowy Lebanon set fair 
With groves of cedar trees 
From casement, roof, and balustrade, 
Festooned with streamers gay 

36 


Azrubaal and Lamorna 


And hung with blazoned banners broad 
They watch till close of day 
The narrow, sparkling, sapphire straits 
Where galleys proud sweep by 
And water-boats with crescent sails 
And dye-shell fishers ply. 

And when the new moon doth appear, 
Gay festival they keep, 

In boats ablaze with colored lamps 
They sail the turgid deep. 

And to the music of the harp 
And cymbals measured beat 
In joyous lays and songs they raise 
Their siren voices sweet. 

But on the holy day they throng 
The Eurychorus grand 
With flowing hair and bosom bare 
They worshipping do stand 
To watch Astarte mural crowned 
White robed in pearl decked law T n 
Ride forth within her emerald car 
By four, fierce lions drawn.” 

And as the maiden heard his words 
Vague tremors filled her breast 
And low her gentle spirit sank 
By nameless fears oppressed. 

37 


Azrubaal and Lamorna 


And when he paused Lamorna sighed 
With troubled, downcast face 
“ ’Tis ill,” she whispered, “I compare 
With women of thy race.” 

“O, Eyes of Love,” cried Azrubaal, 

As he divined her mind, 

“My soul’s desire art thou alone 
As thou wilt ever find; 

For none can be compared with thee 
For loveliness or grace: 

I crave them not, too wanton they 
The women of my race.” 


38 


VIII 


THE COUNCIL OF THE DRUIDS 

Within a cavern damp and drear 
That ’neath the forest lay, 

The druids of Danmonii 
In council met that day. 

An oracle and awful spell 

Dead priests embalmed and weird 
Whose blighted hands held lighted brands 
Like demons madly leered. 

Upon a throne of chiseled stone 
And draped with bearskin mat, 

Tiara crowned and crimson gowned, 
Angwin the high-priest sat. 

His saffron skin was deeply lined 
His flowing beard snow white 
Beneath his heavy, beetling brows 
Two eagle eyes shone bright. 

So chill his tone and dread his words 
As he addressed his priests 
Who round him in a circle stood 
Appalled like craven beasts. 

“This night,” cried he, “the sky and sea 
Were flushed with angry fire 

39 


Azrubaal and Lamorna 


Athwart my gaze then rolled a haze 
Like smoke of sacred pyre. 

Upon yon cromlech stayed the sun, 

A globe all filled with blood, 

And lo, beside me from the cove, 

Grey Magh, the priestess stood. 

Her elf locks streamed around her face 
Her scraggy arms were bare 
O, baneful sight, with yellow light 
Her wolfish eyes did glare. 

Aloud she cried with gesture wild 
‘See how Bel calls for blood. 

By blood alone canst thou avert 
The famine, plague, and flood. 

Let him whose presence fouls our land 
Who maiden love doth steal 
And turns her faith to other gods 
Let him the flint knife feel! 

Look how the sea birds fly, Angwin, 

All going to the east 
Unless he dies, Lamorna flies 
Then woe to thee, O priest; 

For then no more in time of snow 
Again shall Angwin go 
With golden sickle to the oak 
To shroud the mistletoe !’ ” 

40 


Azrubaal and Lamorna 


With consternation and dismay 
The druids heard these words 
For well knew they Grey Magh’s strange powei 
To read the flight of birds. 

Then said Angwin, “Thou Bran quick go 
And bear Mordu the news 
How in his absence fares his child 
Her fate ’tis his to choose. 

Say thou to him ‘Haste thy return 
Lest fortune ill be thine’ 

And should he hesitate or doubt 
Give thou to him this sign. 

For thee Bargu Fve work to do 
Well suited to thy skill 
Seek out this man of whom Magh raves 
And when thou findest — kill !” 



§ 


IX 


THE DEATH OF BARGU, THE PRIEST 

The days flew by, at length drew nigh 
The time the boats must leave 
And in her deepest heart of hearts 
The maid began to grieve. 

Full laden was the last great ship 
Impatient was each crew 
To sail upon the homeward track 
Before the .storms were due. 

Her father tarried long away 
She longed for his return 
So sure she felt, this gentle Celt, 

That when he came to learn 
The tender secret of her love 
For this Phoenician man 
No opposition would she meet 
To wed without her clan. 

That night as fond farewell they took 
Beneath the tower’s shade 
And many times had said good-by 
Still Azrubaal stayed. 

Behind them in the deeper shade, 

It seemed that something stirred 
It sounded like a human step 
Yet neither breathed a word. 

42 


Azrubaal and Lamorna 


Awhile they waited tense and still 
Then Azrubaal sprang round 
And seized in time a half-naked man 
And bore him to the ground. 

But as he gripped his hairy neck 
Lest he should make a cry, 

He felt a sudden burning pain 
A knife had gashed his thigh. 

Then lifting him with mighty heave 
He hurled him from the wall 
And down the cliff precipitous 
They heard the body fall. 

Then on the night air rose a wail 
Weird, ominous, and fell, 

Within whose cadence agonized 
All evil seemed to dwell. 

Lamorna quivered chilled with fright 
Then grew transfixed with dread 
Unseen beside her there she felt 
The presence of the dead. 

“Alas! Alas!” she dully moaned 
“We both this night shall rue; 

For thou hast slain a druid priest, 

The dreaded, Black Bargu. 

For his the features I descried 
As on the ground he lay 

43 


Azrubaal and Lamorna 


And when his fellow druids know 
They both of us will slay. 

Flee Azrubaal ! this moment flee ! 

And leave this coast of ours 
Ere know they of the Serpent’s egg 
By means of their strange powers.” 

“Ah no” cried he, “except with thee 
I flee not from such priests 
Who dwell in woods and caves of earth. 

Like wild, uncleanly beasts. 

I hold in scorn their boasted powers 
And superstitious lies 

E’en Melkart’s priests more dread than these 
Are creatures I despise.” 

“Oh, flee! Oh, flee! My Azrubaal, 

Why wilt thou linger here? 

Some dreadful peril shadows thee 
For thee alone I fear. 

Last night a vision came to me 
While sleeping on my bed, 

I hardly dare to tell it thee 
It fills my soul with dread. 

Oh, Azrubaal, ’twas thus I dreamed 
That thou and I did stand 
Together by the ocean marge 

44 


Azrubaal and Lamorna 


In silence hand in hand. 

And then a ship of purple hue 
Bore down with rhythmic swing 
By seven rowers and each wore 
The gold crown of a King. 

Upon a throne of shining gold 
Beneath the mighty prow 
Sat one I knew for Eshmun from 
His diadem on brow. 

And then methought he beckoned thee 
And as I watched his face 
Despite the tears that filled mine eyes 
Strange pity I could trace. 

All skilfully the barge was shored 
And Eshmun gave command 
That thou must enter in the ship 
And I watched on the strand 
And saw thee sail aw^ay from me 
Until the world grew dark 
And as I stood alone and sad 
I heard the death wolf bark. 

And now a strange, mysterious voice 
Comes whispering to my heart 
And from the words it says to me 
I know that we must part. 

I knew our joy had been too great. 

45 


Azrubaal and Lamorna 


’Tis how the gods prepare 
Their victims for some untoward fate 
That they may have to bear. 

My heart is altogether thine 
No other shall caress 
My hand, my lips, or this my form, 

O pity my distress ! 

And should thy Eshmun bring thee back 
To this dread land of ours, 

True thou wilt find me still to thee 
And pure as these pure flowers.” 

Then Azrubaal made answer thus, 

“Come calm thy woman’s fear 
Think’st I would flee away from thee 
Like some poor hounded deer. 

The gods have only given joy 
That greater joy may come 
Say thou wilt flee away with me, 
Lamorna why so dumb? 

Wilt thou not speak? I cannot bear 
To see thee look like this! 

Hast thou no word to say to me? 

Hast thou for me no kiss?” 

With troubled mien he turned away 
With gesture of despair 

46 


Azrubaal and Lamorna 


Then on her face she fell and lay 
Like some bruised lily fair. 

He turning raised her tenderly 
Her form convulsed with grief 
Within his arms swift welling tears 
Soon brought her heart relief. 
With slow reluctance she did yield 
And then her promise gave 
To sail away with him next day 
Across the ocean wave. 


47 


X 


THE CAMP IN THE FOREST 

Returning homeward from the fray, 

Mordu with all his host 
Lay camped within a forest glade 
A day’s march from the coast. 

The crescent moon peered through the boughs 
That interlaced o’erhead: 

Upon the forms of sleeping men 
The fire’s glow shone red. 

And while the camp in silence lay, 

Mordu mused in his tent 
The torch light glinted on his head 
That deep in thought was bent. 

His stalwart form was richly clad 
In cloak all seamed with gold 
And gathered by a shoulder clasp, 

Beneath gleamed armor cold. 

An owl screeched weirdly as it flew 
Across the glade without; 

A sudden challenge through the night 
He heard the sentry shout. 

Awhile he listened then the flap 
Of cowhide on his tent 

48 





(Seen from the Distanced 






Azrubaal and Lamorna 


Was thrust aside and Bran, the priest 
Before him lowly bent. 

Stern-toned Mordu addressed the priest, 
“Thy tidings fellow, quick! 

Or by the name of Bel, the wolves 
Thy craven bones shall pick!” 

The frightened priest his massage gave 
Like one whose breath was spent 
At which Mordu sprang to his feet 
And paced about his tent. 

The veins grew black upon his brow, 
His eyes flashed angry fire. 

The druid priest shrank terrified 
Before the chieftain’s ire. 

At length he cried, “Whate’er betide 
This folly I must stay, 

Before this trader, Azrubaal 
H as lured my child away. 

Now harken priest, my word and bond 
I pledged to Hugo, King, 

And did betroth her to his son, 

See here I bear his ring; 

For signal honor hath our liege 
Conferred on me for aid 
That I have rendered in the war 
And Ogrim loves the maid. 


49 


Azrubaal and Lamorna 


For said the King, ‘Within our Court 
Have we heard often sung, 
Lamorna’s grace of form and face 
By minstrels old and young. 

So we would fain receive her here 
For Ogrim seeks a mate 
And if thou grant this our request 
Our gratitude were great.’ 

So when the dawn shall spread the east 
To Dinsul straight I ride 
For I must meet with Azrubaal 
Before the evening tide. 

For by ill chance Bargu may fail 
And that would cause their flight, 

For well I know we have no foe 
One dares to hold too light. 

So eat and drink and rest thy limbs 
While I myself betake 
To make all ready to depart 
The moment dawn shall break.” 


XI 


THE FLIGHT 

At eventide next day, the twain 
Stood ’neath the Mount’s grey face 
And since no boat had hove in sight 
They sought a hiding place 
Where two great boulders meeting formed 
A cave like place beneath, 

Surrounded by a tangled mass 
Of bramble, furze, and heath. 

Within this sheltered hiding-place 
Impatient they did wait 
The tardy coming of the boat 
With which now lay their fate. 

Beyond a ledge o’ergrown with sedge 
Within ten paces’ reach, 

The heaving waters ebbed and flowed 
Upon the rocky beach. 

And for his sake for whom she now 
Was leaving all behind, 

Lamorna tried to quell the fears 
That rose within her mind. 

For to her ears the sounding sea 
In sorrow seemed to surge, 

51 


Azrubaal and Lamorna 


The shingle washing down the beach 
Seemed like a funeral dirge. 

Then Azrubaal pointed out 
A moving object dark 
And in the star light she discerned 
A swiftly moving bark. 

With heart relieved and eager eyed, 

She watched as near it gained 
And caught at last the creak of oars 
For hard the rowers strained. 

Forth from their sheltered nook they came 
And crossed the ridge of slate, 

For soon against the weed clad rocks 
They knew the boat would grate. 

A rustling sounded in the brake 
Long twanged a mighty bow 
And with an arrow through his heart, 

Prince Azrubaal sank low. 

Beside him with a choking cry, 

Lamorna knelt appalled 
Some instinct told her he was dead 
Still on his name she called. 

“Speak Azrubaal, speak to me,” 

She cried in hopeless grief, 

Until her mind all overborne 
In darkness found relief. 

52 


Azrubaal and Lamorna 


Ashore the boatmen came at last: 

On every side they scanned, 

The bleeding form at length they found 
All huddled in the sand. 

Enraged, they searched the cave-like place 
Where crouching in the shade, 

They found Lamorna’s little maid, 

Sore weeping and afraid. 

They seized her and between her sobs, 
She told them all she knew: 

How she had seen the Prince fall low 
Shot by the Chief, Mordu, 

For him she’d seen with bow in hand 
Creep towards the fallen pair 
And bear her mistress from her sight 
While she lay hidden there. 

They bore the dead man to the boat 
And loudly did invoke 
The curse of all their mighty gods 
Upon this murderous folk. 



V 


XII 


THE CONFLICT 

A crimson glow incarnadined 

The cloud flecked dome of night 
And darting tongues of ruddy flame 
Rose from the castled height. 

Long, trailing clouds of curling smoke 
Dense black and streaked with grey 
Borne by the breeze that left the land 
Rolled slowly down the bay. 

’Twas vengeance ruthless, swift, and sure 
The men of Tyre had wrought 
Who with grim earnestness had slain 
Each Celtic man they caught. 

From farm and dwelling, fort and town, 
The Celts flocked to the scene 
For from each place around the bay 
The blazing Mount was seen. 

From Dynas, and Chysauster town, 
Lezingy, Lescudzhek. 

In countless numbers did they come 
With rush that naught would check. 
The men of Tyre by Hanno led, 

The friend of Azrubaal, 

A brave and mighty ox-like man, 

54 


Azrubaal and Lamorna 


Full clad in brazen mail, 

Now clambered down the slippery crags 
But ere they reached the strand 
They found across their pathway spread 
An armed and fierce-eyed band 
Of Celts, who with wild yells of hate 
Swung clubs and axes round 
While high there shrilled above their shrieks, 
The war horns’ dreadful sound. 

Then like a blazing, brazen wedge, 

With Hanno at its head, 

The Semites charged the line of Celts 
Through clouds of arrows shed. 

They crashed into the swarming host 
Who for one moment reeled 
Then gathered for the mighty fight 
With battle axe and shield. 

Loud clang red axe on shield and helm 
Loud rang red sword on sword 
Now dying cries of stricken men 
Rose from the blood-stained sward. 

For long upon the reddened strand 
The deadly combat waged 
All mingled now and hand to hand 
The maddened foemen raged. 

With sound like distant thunder rolled 

55 


Azrubaal and Lamorna 


The roar of that great band 
Which from the mainland through the tide 
Surged to the Dinsul strand. 

Still Hanno with his reeking blade 
Swift clove through flesh and bone 
Until by his tried hand alone 
Full fifty Celts lay prone. 

At length he found himself opposed 
To one tremendous foe 
And like two giant demi-gods 
They struggled to and fro. 

Until with one resistless thrust 
Great Hanno pierced him through 
Then leaped his heart, for as he fell, 

He recognized Mordu. 

Now with their doughty chieftain slain, 
The Celts began to quail 
Before their better weaponed foes 
Clad in completer mail. 

With one determined, mighty rush 
The men of Tyre broke free, 

They reached their waiting galley boats 
And made for open sea. 

And from the night of that fell fight 
No more there crossed the main 
Phoenician ship to Britain’s Isle 
Since Azrubaal was slain. 

56 


XIII 


THE DRUID’S REVENGE 

t 

The frantic Celts enraged to find 
That they had lost their prey 
Then stripped their dead and dying foes 
And burned them by the bay. 

Then lest some lurking foe should hide 
They searched the Mount around 
And lo, within a secret lair 
They found Lamorna bound 
With leathern thongs that bit her flesh 
She terribly was changed, 

Her eyes so bright had lost their light 
Her mind was all deranged. 

With crafty leer came Bran, the priest 
And claimed her for his prey 
And soon the shout, “A Sacrifice !” 

Loud echoed round the bay. 

• •••••• 

The glare of many torches lit 
The forest’s dismal gloom 
As through the trees they dragged the maid 
To meet her fearful doom. 

The path led upward to a glade 

57 


Azrubaal and Lamorna 


Upon a rounded hill 
Whereon a circle of huge stones 
Cast shadows dark and chill. 

To one huge, standing monolith 
The wretched girl was bound 
And then like fiends released from hell 
They circled her around. 

Slow from the sacred grove of oaks 
Angwin, the high priest walked 
And with deep voice addressed the throng 
Who trembled as he talked. 

“My children,” said he, “overjoyed 
Am I such faith to see, 

Acceptable indeed to Bel, 

Your sacrifice will be. 

For dreadful evil hath she done 
By pagan rites and powers 
And by her death shall we avert 
The curse that would be ours.” 

Face downwards on the dewy sward 
They lay without a sound 
While druids droned the funeral hymn 
Before the altar mound. 

“Oh, God the Threefold, hear our cry 
Smile on us while we sing, 

58 


Azrubaal and Lamorna 


Be pleased to graciously accept 
The sacrifice we bring. 

Oh, keep from us the plague and flood 
And take away our woes, 

With foul disease and fiery death 
Do thou destroy our foes.” 

Between the tall encircling stones 
Still grovelling low they drew 
And breathless watched the gaunt high-priest 
Who cried, “Now rest! Bargu!” 

He raised the ancient, altar knife, 

His face toward the west, 

And with a savage, downward plunge 
He ripped the maiden’s breast. 

The straining, panting, spellbound mob 
Gave one, deep, sobbing start 
As from the gaping wound he tore 
The bleeding, throbbing heart. 

And cast it straight into the blaze 
Of his bright omen-fire 
While close indrew the line of priests 
In flowing, white attire. 

Lo, weirdly through that place of doom 
A long shrill cry rang clear 

59 


Azrubaal and Lamorna 


Then loud came other savage cries 
That filled all hearts with fear. 
With frantic shrieks of terror born 
The people rose and fled 
And left the eerie place and grim 
To darkness and the dead. 


6o 


XIV 


THE STORM 

Within his dismal, fogou hole, 

Angwin, the priest lay prone 
And pictured in his cruel brain 
The scene around the stone. 

Then corpse-like pallor blanched his cheek 
H is limbs grew cold with fear 
As fiercely snapped and snarled the wolves 
Around that awful bier. 

Then loud there rose above their howls 
A terrifying sound, 

As though great, nameless, ghostly things 
Were flying all around. 

And through a cleft that pierced his cell 
The priest saw lightning play 
And heard the sullen thunder roll 
Far o’er the foaming bay. 

And as he murmured brokenly 
As men do in their sleep, 

“The storm fiends rise and lash the skies 
When dead men sail the deep.” 

There came a flash and one fell crash 
And all the earth uprose, 

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Azrubaal and Lamorna 


Angwin now blinded felt the walls 
Upon him slowly close. 

• •••••• 

When morning broke Grey Magh awoke 
And as she quickly dressed 
There dropped a toad from its abode 
Within her withered breast. 

While in and out her bracken bed 
Cold, clammy creatures crawled 
And from a ledge above her head 
A death-hued raven called. 

Red eyed the witch crept toward the light 
That filled the outer cave 
Then at the sight that met her gaze 
A dreadful cry she gave. 

For there within the cavern’s mouth 
The waves began to flow, 

That yester-eve broke ’neath the cliff 
A hundred feet below. 

With fear demented out she climbed, 
And by a rough hewn way, 

She reached at length a rocky ledge 
And breathless, panting lay. 

All day she sat with fearsome look 
Upon this dizzy height 
With hand outstretched towards the bay 

62 


Azrubaal and Lamorna 


Till day passed into night. 

For where had stood the town of huts 
Now gently heaved the waves 
Beneath whose sunlit, sparkling breast 
There lay a town of graves. 

And still she sat until the moon 
Rose o’er the hills afar 
And in the darkling eastern sky 
Shone forth the evening star. 

Her gaze fell on the blackened Mount 
Lo, passing strange it seemed, 

A mist curled round from either side 
And formed an arc that gleamed 
Like silver while above it shone 
An instant ’gainst the sky 
Two forms ethereal wreathed in flame 
And then she heard a cry 
Of joy, surpassing human joy 
That filled the earth and sky. 

Then rising up she went away 
Beneath the moon’s soft light 
And never more from that fell day 
Appeared to mortal sight. 


63 
















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